CIVL4008 Practical Experience

Handbook Details

Unit Coordinator

A/Prof Stuart Reid

School

School of Civil Engineering

Credit Value

0

Sessions

Semester 1

Pre-requisites

(30 credits of 3rd year units of study)

Brief Handbook Description

This is a fourth year core unit of study for the degree in Civil Engineering and Project Engineering and Management (Civil).

The objectives of this unit are to expose students to Engineering Practice and provide working experience in the field of engineering. At the end of this unit, students will gain first hand experience of working in an Engineering environment, will see how engineering companies are organised and will be exposed to problem solving in a commercial environment. The syllabus requires each student to work as an employee of an approved engineering organisation and to submit a satisfactory written report of his or her work. Normally 12 weeks of practical work experience (420 hours minimum) is required and this is generally undertaken after the completion of the prescribed third year core courses and before enrolment in the final year of study. The University Careers and Appointments Service is available to assist students to obtain suitable employment.

Assessments

1. Report (100%)

Texts

Reference :  Lindsay, D., A Guide to Scientific Writing, Longman Cheshire, 1995, ISBN:
Reference :  Scott, W.P. and Billing, B., Communication for Professional Engineers, T.Telford, 1998, ISBN:
Reference :  Lawley, A.H. and Lawley, M., How to spell and punctuate, University Tutorial Press, 1962, ISBN:
Reference :  Chandler, H.E., Technical Writer's Handbook, American Society for Metals, 1983, ISBN:
Reference :  Schoenfeld, R., The Chemist's English, VCH, 1989, ISBN:
Reference :  Strunk, W. and White, E.B., The Elements of Style, Macmillan, New York, 1979, ISBN:
Reference :  Paradis, J.G. and Zimmerman, M.L., The MIT Guide to Science and Engineering Communication, MIT Press, 1997, ISBN:

Classes

 Practical Experience: 35hr per week for 12 weeks,

 

Learning and Teaching Details

Learning and Teaching Formats and Approaches

Graduate Attributes Developed in this Unit

TypeHrs/WeekSessions/WeekDescription
Practical Experience 35 hrs   12 weeks practical work experience (420hrs minimum)

Learning Outcomes

TypeProficiency LevelDescription
Communication Intermediate Producing a written report that is clear, concise, complete and well organised.
Information Skills Advanced Developing initiative in sourcing ideas, data and knowledge. In analysing and reporting on their professional environment, students will need to make appropriate inquiries.
Professional Practice Advanced Developing an engineering approach and ethos, gaining an appreciation of engineering ethics through exposure to professional engineering practice.

Assessments

NumberDescriptionGA Type
1 Ability to relate knowledge developed during previous study to a professional engineering environment. Professional Practice
2 Ability to observe, analyse and document the technical and organisational aspects of an entry-level engineering position. Professional Practice
3 Ability to reflect on the development of personal skills and approach in civil engineering. Professional Practice
4 Understanding of the role of civil engineers in society. Professional Practice
5 Appreciation of engineering ethiccs. Professional Practice

Grading

NumberDescriptionTypeWeightTarget Learning OutcomeWeek DueTeamwork
1 A Practical Experience Report must be submitted after completion of the required practical work experience. A Draft Practical Experience Report should be submitted by the end of Week 5 of Semester 1, and a final version of the Practical Experience Report should be submitted by the end of Week 10 of Semester 1. Length shall be at least 4,000 words, plus Figures (diagrams, photos, plans, etc.) and Appendices. Report 100 1 2 3 4 5 Week 10 no

Syllabus and Weekly Schedule

Grades or Grading SystemDescription
Criteria Based Assessment This unit is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. Grades are awarded at levels of R (Satisfied requirements) or F (Fail) as defined by Academic Board Resolutions: Assessment and Examination of Coursework. Details of Academic Board Resolutions are available on the University's Policy website at http://www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/Assess_Exam_Coursework.pdf. Criteria for grades on individual assessment tasks and on the requirements for successful completion of this unit will be supplied by the coordinator at start of semester.

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